Starting vegetables and flowers from seed
Last year, I started a vegetable garden for many reasons but maintained that it was an experiment throughout the year. However, this year I am planning on taking it to the next level with a major expansion and a lot more TLC. On Thursday, I took my first steps by buying Seeds of Change (USDA organic) seeds from Naturally Yours grocery store and a kit to start some of the plants indoors before the frost-free date passes. I also did some work in the yard by tilling the soil in the raised bed and blending some purchased mushroom compost to it. I still have to finished dismantling a large portion of the overgrown flower garden so that I can expand the vegetable garden area.
As you can see in the picture, I recruited help in starting some of the plants from seed inside the house. We now have cherry tomatos and brocolli started. At the store, I allowed the girls to pick out some flower seed packs, so we have dahlias, marigolds, and echinacea to add to the yard. I may have to have my wife select a good location for them as my passion is currently in the growing of food.
April 13, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Hopefully you will attract some butterflies with the echinacea! Wouldn’t the girls love that? We haven’t grown any, yet, but I’ve heard peppers are hearty and easy to grown. You should reach out to Jinn for some suggestions. BTW: are you living in a rural area of town, or close to a lot of traffic? I decided not to grow tomatoes this year because we are in a high traffic area. We’ll focus on ornamental stuff.
April 14, 2009 at 7:21 am
We are definitely in the city, but we have a large shared back yard area with neighbors behind us. Are you thinking that the air pollution might effect the tomatoes?
April 15, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Traffic pollution (lead from fuel) and air pollution is why I didn’t grow any this year…because we eat the skin on the tomatoes.